Episode 022 – From Slave To Slavei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-321{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-321:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-321.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Exodus 4:22-23; Colossians 1:13-14; Colossians; 3:1-4On July 4th, 1776, the Continental Congress adopted a statement known as “The Declaration of Independence,” announcing that the thirteen American colonies, then at war with Great Britain, regarded themselves as thirteen newly independent sovereign states – no longer a part of the British Empire – and calling themselves, “The United States of America.” The most well-known line within the Declaration indicates that Americans have a right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Liberty is freedom. But what does the Bible have to say about freedom? That’s what’s tackled in this teaching as we learn the paradoxical truth that in order to find true freedom, we must seek slavery.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

There’s clearly a negative slavery (what we see in our world today and throughout world history) but also a positive one (explored in this teaching). What surprised you most about how the Bible describes the positive slavery?

Are there any places in your life where you‘ve sought “freedom” but it has been anything but that?

With our dependence upon the Scriptures, Son, and Spirit, where do you need to grow the most? What does that look like practically?

How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week?

For Further Study

Life, Slavery & the Pursuit of Happiness – This is a sermon Craig Rees and I did together when I was at Central Wesleyan that goes deeper into the concepts addressed in this teaching.

Episode 021 – Complete Like Godi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-324{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-324:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-324.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Matthew 5:43-48Rain was always a downer for me growing up. It spoiled the outdoor fun. As a result, I never understood Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 about God sending sun and rain on the righteous and unrighteous and then concluding with being “perfect as your heavenly father is perfect” – as if that was even possible. But set in its context, this passage makes all the sense in the world, and Jesus’ words take on powerful implications for our lives.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

How have you traditionally understood Matthew 5:48 with the translation of “be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect?”

How did this teaching affirm or change your understanding of Jesus’ words here?

Knowing there’s a connection with Matthew 5:9, did you make any other connections?

In what ways do you respond like the “tax collectors” and “pagans” to others in this passage?

With whom do you need to be more complete like God in your interactions with them?

How will you begin implementing your desired changes over this next week?

Episode 019 – You Go Firsti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-330{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-330:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-330.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Colossians 3:13; Colossians 4:10It’s easy to tell others what they should do. It’s more challenging to lead the way first. But we must. In this teaching, we look at how Paul demonstrates this powerful truth in his letter to the Colossians and his reference to John Mark, who deserted he and Barnabbas at the most inopportune time and caused a tremendous amount of pain and friction. Paul knew he couldn’t ask someone to do something he wasn’t willing to do himself. The same is true for us as well.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Where might you be asking others to do something you’re not willing to do yourself?

In what ways might you be “hiding” behind your position, role, or influence that’s absolving you of leading the way or empathizing well with those you impact?

Where do you need to go first in your job? With your family/friends/most significant relationships?

How does knowing that Jesus was willing to go first give you hope and confidence in not only your relationship with him but in how you interact with and lead others?

For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

Episode 018 – Build Your Central Parki.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-333{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-333:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-333.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 5:15-16Our lives are incredibly busy, and most of us aren’t intentional about creating space to retreat from the hustle and bustle to find rest, restoration, and rejuvenation. And yet, without such spaces, we deteriorate and lose focus on what’s important. Jesus understood this. In this teaching, we look at Jesus’ rhythm of retreat, and get really practical on how we can do the same in order to live a vibrant and properly focused life.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Where do you currently have Central Parks set up in your life? Do you visit them regularly?

Where do you need to be more intentional about building Central Parks (in your personal life, work life, in key relationships)?

How do you view the importance of rest and retreat?

What gives you the most life? What do you enjoy doing that causes you to lose time? Are you finding enough time to do those things?

Where do you need to get out the bulldozer and clear some space (hint: think through what answers you came up with from last week’s teaching, and implement those)?

How will you begin walking out these truths in the next week?

Episode 017 – Saying Yes To The Besti.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-336{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-336:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-336.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Mark 1:32-39We say “yes” to a lot of things, but are they the things we should be saying “yes” to? Jim Collins has said that “the good is the enemy of the great.” We can get so caught up in doing “good” things that we miss out on the “best” things. Jesus understood this clearly. And in this teaching (shot on location in Israel), we look at how Jesus was totally fine disappointing people in order to stay true to his mission. He knew how to say “no” to the good things so he could say “yes” to the best things. Get ready to have your world rocked because this teaching will mess with you!

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Are there any decisions you’re making in order not to disappoint certain people?

What are the good things you need to say “no” to in order that you can say “yes” to the best things?

Are you clear on what you’re supposed to be doing and what the best things are? Until you know this, it’s difficult to know what to say “yes” or “no” to.

Getting an outside perspective is always helpful. Who is someone who knows you extremely well, is wise and discerning, and could give you their honest feedback on how you're running your life? Schedule a meeting or call with them as soon as possible and listen up (this includes mentors, spouses, best friends, etc.).

Mark Batterson made the observation that “a change of place and a change of pace equals a change of perspective.” How can you create a regular rhythm of getting out of your normal context in order to experience this?

How will you begin walking out these truths in the next week?

For Further Study

The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan

Essentialism by Greg McKeown

Note: I can’t recommend these two books enough. They have been the most important resources for helping me get super clear on what my time and energy should be going to.

Episode 016 – Seizing Tasselsi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-339{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-339:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-339.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 8:40-48In Luke 8, a woman grabs the corner of Jesus’ garment and is instantly healed. It’s a bizarre story, until you understand the stunning connections she’s making, and why she does what she does. But even more stunning is Jesus’ tender response, and the implications of his invitation for us to come to him for help and healing despite our uncleanness, hesitations, fears, and messes.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

How are you learning to read the Bible differently based on stories like these?

What struck you most about Jesus’ actions and responses in this story?

Where do you identify with this woman in your life (pain, fear, ostracized, courage, hope, healing)?

Where do you need to “seize the tassels of Jesus?”

What’s one step you can take in living out this truth this week?

For Further Study

The Teaching Series Episode 004 – You Are The Message

The Teaching Series Episode 005 – God's Instructions For Freedom

Episode 014 – Blessing God 100 Times A Dayi.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-345{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-345:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-345.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Deuteronomy 8:10-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18There’s an ancient Jewish practice that revolutionized my prayer life and fostered an awareness of both God and gratitude that I hadn’t accessed on a regular basis before. In this short teaching, I share what that practice is and how it can have a significant impact on your life as well.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

If you struggle with consistent prayer life, why do you think that is?

How can you be more intentional at seeing God’s involvement in your life and blessing Him for it?

How would your life be different if your days were filled with more gratitude?

Knowing there was a “short prayer” for everything, are there are few short prayers you could create and then use on a daily basis?

What’s one step you can take in living out this truth this week?

For Further Study

Learning from Jesus’ Jewish Prayer Life by Lois Tverberg – the short article referenced in the teaching.

Sitting at the Feet of Rabbi Jesus by Lois Tverberg – an absolutely astounding book with a whole chapter (Chapter 7) dedicated to the practice of blessing God through prayer.

Episode 013 – Grounded In Gratitudei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-348{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-348:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-348.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): 2 Kings 5:1-15; Luke 17:11-19It's really easy to focus on what’s notgoing well in our lives, rather than being grateful for what isgoing well. But what would happen if we allowed gratitude to be what grounded us? How would we then view the challenging things in our lives? That's what this teaching addresses by looking at the astounding connections between the healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5) and Jesus’ healing of the ten lepers (Luke 17).

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Where are you allowing the things that aren’t going well in your life to dominate your overall narrative?

What prevents you from living a life of gratitude?

Where do you need to be intentional or creative about gratitude?

What practices can you adopt to foster your gratitude?

What are you grateful for today?

What’s one step you can take in living out this truth this week?

For Further Study

Grounded In Gratitude– a sermon I did on the intersection of these stories and how gratitude is absolutely necessary to loving people well, especially those who are different from us.

Episode 012 – Everything Is Intentionali.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-351{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-351:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-351.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Luke 7:11-17One thing I’ve learned about Jesus is that nothing is random. It’s utterly remarkable how his words and actions tie into the Old Testament story and then propel the overall story forward. Take Luke 7. Jesus raises a widow’s son back to life. It’s incredible. But what makes this story so fascinating isn’t only what Jesus did, but where he did it. When we understand that, we begin to understand just how intentional Jesus is with everything, including your story and mine.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

What’s one study technique you learned by engaging this teaching?

What other connections, if any, came to mind in the midst of this teaching?

Where does your story feel random right now and you need to hold onto the reality that Jesus doesn’t do random?

What’s one step you can take in living out this truth this week?

For Further StudyHagah The Text – this is a longer teaching (sermon) that goes into greater detail about the concepts explored in Teaching Series Episode 020

Episode 011 – To Live Is To Givei.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-354{ color: #515151;}i.fb-icon-element.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-354:hover { color: #e00400;}i.fontawesome-icon.fb-icon-element-354.icon-hover-animation-pulsate:after {-webkit-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);-moz-box-shadow:0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);box-shadow: 0 0 0 2px rgba(255,255,255,0.1), 0 0 10px 10px #333333, 0 0 0 10px rgba(255,255,255,0.5);}Key Passage(s): Mark 10:45; Acts 20:35The Sea of Galilee is bursting with life and vitality. The Dead Sea is toxic and nothing can survive. And yet they’re both fed by the same source – the Jordan River. How can this be? The answer is utterly fascinating, and its truth speaks to one of the most significant realities of how we flourish in life.

Discussion Questions

What’s your biggest takeaway from the teaching?

Where do you find yourself functioning more like the Sea of Galilee? The Dead Sea?

Where do you desire to grow in your capacity to give (and don’t think just in terms of finances)?

Being like the Sea of Galilee isn’t something that just happens. We have to practice it. We do it because it’s right and good, not because it makes us feel good (and many times it doesn’t make us feel good). How can you “practice” this kind of giving?

What’s one step you can take in living out this truth this week?

For Further Study

To Heal a Fractured World by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks – Chapter 3 addresses the content of this teaching.